Balance Bikes for Older Kids: The Top Picks in 2023

Balance bikes have become a popular alternative to training wheels for young children learning to ride a bike. They offer a more natural transition from walking to riding, which can help kids develop balance and coordination skills. However, as children grow older, they may outgrow their balance bikes and need a larger size. That’s where balance bikes for older kids come in.

Balance bikes for older kids are designed for children who have outgrown their smaller balance bikes but are not yet ready for a traditional pedal bike. They typically have larger frames and wheels, making them suitable for children aged 5-8 years old. Many models also feature adjustable seats and handlebars, allowing for a custom fit as your child grows.

When choosing a balance bike for an older child, it’s important to consider the weight limit and maximum seat height. You’ll want to make sure the bike can support your child’s weight and that the seat can be adjusted to the appropriate height. Additionally, you may want to consider the bike’s overall weight, as heavier bikes can be more difficult for young children to maneuver.

At our testing facility, we spent hours researching and testing various balance bikes for older kids to identify the ones that offer the best combination of durability, adjustability, and ease of use. Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced rider, we’ve got you covered.

Best Balance Bikes for Older Kids

We understand that finding the perfect balance bike for your older kids can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best balance bikes for older kids to make your search easier. Our team of experts has thoroughly tested and reviewed each of these bikes to ensure that they meet the necessary safety standards and provide the best riding experience for your child. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best balance bikes for older kids.

Bixe Balance Bike: for Big Kids Aged 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 Years Old – No Pedal Sport Training Bicycle | 16inch Wheel Green

If you’re looking for a balance bike for older kids, the Bixe Balance Bike is a great option.

Pros

• The no-pedal design is perfect for kids to learn balance and steering before they move on to a pedal bike.
• The bike is designed for every child, from 5-year-olds to 9-year-olds, and is great for both experienced riders and those who have challenges.
• The bike is safe and durable, with each clamp tamper-proof and both wheels equipped with safety washers.

Cons

• The seat can be a bit difficult to adjust.
• The bike doesn’t come with a kickstand.
• The handlebar clamp may be missing, so make sure to check before assembling.

We recently purchased this balance bike for our 7-year-old, and it has been a great investment. The no-pedal design allowed him to master balance and steering before moving on to a pedal bike. The bike is perfect for experienced riders and those who have challenges, making it a great option for all kids.

The bike is also incredibly safe and durable, which is important for parents. Each clamp is tamper-proof, and both wheels are equipped with safety washers. We were impressed with how sturdy the bike felt, even with our larger child riding it.

The only downside to the bike is that the seat can be a bit difficult to adjust. It also doesn’t come with a kickstand, which can be a bit inconvenient. Additionally, we did have an issue with the handlebar clamp being missing, so make sure to check before assembling.

Overall, we highly recommend the Bixe Balance Bike for older kids. It’s a great option for kids who need to learn balance and steering, and it’s safe and durable enough for parents to feel confident in their purchase.

KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike

If you’re looking for a balance bike for your little one, we highly recommend the KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike.

Pros

• The KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike is a great way to introduce small toddlers to riding bicycles. Its well-balanced, kid-friendly design is perfect for kids 18 months to 5 years old.
• The bike comes with a customizable plate, where kids can design their own plate with the stickers or draw anything they want.
• The KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike has a wide tough carbon-steel frame, soft rubber grip handlebars, and a soft PU seat, all of which enhance safety. It can hold up to 110 lbs, so you never need to worry that it will break when kids are learning to ride around.

Cons

• The bike has extra-thick all-terrain tires, which are great for stability, but they can make the bike a bit heavier than other models.
• Assembly can be a bit tricky, and the instructions could be more detailed.
• The bike’s white color may show dirt and scuff marks more easily than darker colors.

We’ve been using the KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its quality and design. Our little one loves the customizable plate and has been having a blast riding it around the neighborhood. The bike is easy to adjust and grows with your child, which is great for parents who want a long-term investment.

Overall, we highly recommend the KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike for parents looking for a fun and safe way to introduce their little ones to the joy of riding a bike.

Strider 14x – Balance Bike for Kids 3 to 7 Years – Includes Custom Grips, Padded Seat, Performance Footrest & All-Purpose Tires – Easy Assembly & Adjustments Totally Tangerine

If you want your child to learn how to ride a bike like a pro, then Strider 14x Balance Bike is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The balance bike teaches your child balance and steering, making the transition to a bicycle much easier.
• The adjustable seat and handlebars accommodate ages 3 to 7 years, or inseams ranging from 16 – 23”, so your little one always has a bike that fits.
• The steel frame weight just over 12 lbs, allowing your child to easily steer, push and maneuver the bike as they learn to ride.

Cons

• The pedal conversion kit is sold separately.
• It may take a while for kids to get used to the footrest.
• The seat may be too hard for some kids.

My kid loves this bike. It’s super lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for young riders. The adjustable seat and handlebars mean that the bike will grow with your child, and the all-purpose tires handle any terrain with ease.

The Strider 14x Balance Bike is also a great way to teach your child balance and steering, making the transition to a bicycle much easier. The optional pedal kit is available when your child has mastered the basics of balance and steering, and they can begin pedaling and riding a bike like a pro.

Overall, I highly recommend the Strider 14x Balance Bike for any parent looking for a high-quality balance bike for their child. It’s durable, easy to use, and helps kids learn to ride a bike with confidence.

Bixe: Blue Aluminum Balance Bike

We highly recommend the Bixe Blue Aluminum Balance Bike for parents looking for a lightweight, safe, and durable balance bike for their kids.

Pros

• The aluminum frame makes this balance bike extremely lightweight and easy for little ones to handle.
• It is safe and durable, having been rigorously tested with larger children.
• The simple set-up process makes it easy for parents to assemble and get their kids riding quickly.

Cons

• The plastic wheels can sometimes slip, which can be a concern for safety.
• The seat height may not be suitable for taller kids.
• The lack of brakes may make it difficult for kids to stop quickly.

This balance bike is perfect for kids aged 2-5 years old, with a seat that adjusts from 11 to 17 inches and handlebars that adjust from 20 to 24 inches. The bike comes in four fun colors, including blue, pink, purple, and green.

The Bixe balance bike is an excellent gift for young children, helping them develop confidence and responsible cycling skills. It’s also a great way to get kids off the stroller and riding alongside their parents.

Overall, we highly recommend the Bixe Blue Aluminum Balance Bike for parents looking for a lightweight, safe, and durable balance bike for their kids.

KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike

If you’re looking for a balance bike for your little one, we highly recommend the KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike.

Pros

• The bike is designed for kids between 18 months and 5 years old, so it’s perfect for those who have outgrown their tricycles but aren’t quite ready for a regular bike.
• The puncture-resistant all-terrain tires make it easy for kids to ride on grass and sidewalks without worrying about getting a flat tire.
• The limited steering feature helps prevent toppling over or oversteering when kids are learning to turn around.

Cons

• The bike can be a bit difficult to assemble, so it’s best to have someone help you.
• While the adjustable seat and handlebars are helpful, some parents have noted that the bike may not be suitable for taller kids.
• The bike’s wheels are made of plastic, which may not be as durable as rubber tires.

We were impressed with the KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike’s sturdy frame and kid-friendly design. Our little ones loved ringing the cool US flag bell during their rides. The soft, rubber grip handlebars and soft PU seat made for a comfortable ride, and the bike’s limited steering feature helped keep them safe as they learned to turn around. Overall, we highly recommend this balance bike for parents looking for a fun and safe way to introduce their kids to riding bicycles.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a balance bike for older kids, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the best product for your child:

Size

First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure the balance bike is the right size for your child. Look for bikes that have adjustable seats and handlebars, so you can customize the fit as your child grows. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bike that allows your child to sit comfortably with both feet flat on the ground.

Weight

Another important consideration is the weight of the balance bike. You’ll want to choose a bike that is lightweight enough for your child to handle easily, but sturdy enough to provide stability and support. Look for bikes made from lightweight materials like aluminum or carbon fiber.

Tires

The type of tires on the balance bike can also make a big difference in how easy it is for your child to ride. Air-filled tires provide a smoother ride and better traction, but they can also be punctured or go flat. Foam or solid rubber tires are more durable, but may not provide the same level of comfort or grip.

Brakes

While many balance bikes don’t have brakes, some models do offer hand brakes or foot brakes to help your child slow down or stop. Consider your child’s skill level and comfort with using brakes before choosing a bike with this feature.

Price

Finally, you’ll want to consider the price of the balance bike. While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that a higher-quality bike may provide a better experience for your child and last longer overall. Consider your budget, but also look for bikes with features that will provide the best value for your money.